Acianthus

Country: Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia

Acianthus is a small Australasian genus of around 21 terrestrial species found in small groups in forests on decaying litter, or occasionally on partially decayed logs or in association with bracken fern. Comprising a single, heart-shaped, clasping leaf, often with purple markings and growing from small, globular, subterranean tubers from which the flower stems arise. They are mainly insect pollinated, usually by small gnats. Flowers are small (4-5 mm), and tend to blend in with the surroundings.